Insights

Utilising microRNA to treat hair loss in the future

A recent study published in April 2023 in the science journal PNAS found that by increasing a specific type of microRNA (miR-205) in hair stem cells could help in increasing hair growth and regeneration. In susceptible people, hair follicles get ‘stiffer’ over time leading to androgenetic hair loss. According to researchers, induction of the miR-205 … Read more

What should you know about micro-pigmentation

Scalp micro-pigmentation is a form of camouflage for the scalp done by creating dotted scalp tattoos in the affected bald area. This dotted effect results in the scalp having a ‘stubble’ hair look and can mask bald patches giving the illusion of very short hair. In scalp micro-pigmentation (SMP), a micro droplet of pigment is … Read more

Seasonal hair shedding and Circadian clock

Seasonal hair shedding is a form of telogen effluvium that occurs in some individuals at least once a year. The main time for seasonal shedding in the year occurs around September and a second minor shed can occur around March. This has been confirmed by research studies done. This phenomenon is common in mammals who … Read more

Does Rosemary oil help with hair loss?

There are very many social media posts and videos stating that Rosemary oil helps hair loss. Is there any truth in that backed by scientific studies? So far, there has been only one randomised study done comparing Rosemary oil with Minoxidil 2% which was published in Skinmed Vol 13 in January 2015. In summary, 100 … Read more

Is Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) effective for hair loss?

Low Light Laser therapy represents a safe and a potential treatment option in patients suffering with non-scarring alopecias who do not respond or are not tolerant to standard treatment of hair loss. Combination of LLLT with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride may act synergistically to enhance hair growth Laser phototherapy relies on exposure of biological … Read more

Hair loss after temporal lifting cosmetic procedure

One of the signs of ageing is loss of volume at the temples. In order to negate this, fillers provide the option to increase the volume in this temple region. They also result in gently lifting the lower and mid face. Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections are one of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures … Read more

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is sometimes used to treat androgenetic hair loss. The procedure involves taking a patient’s blood, spinning it in a centrifuge and separating the blood plasma from the rest of the components. This plasma which is rich in certain growth factors like Epidermal growth factor, Platelet derived growth factor, Fibroblast growth factor and other cytokines … Read more

Can female get hair transplants?

Hair transplants on the scalp for women are not a common option. Of all the hair transplants that are carried out yearly, 85-90% are carried out on men and only 10% on women. There are several reasons why women are not good candidates for hair transplantation. Firstly, there is miniaturisation of hair follicles in the … Read more

Hair loss with Ozempic injection

Ozempic is indicated for the treatment of insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise in adults. It has also been approved in 2021 by the FDA for weight loss. The common side effects are nausea, abdominal issues, dry mouth and constipation. Another side effect that is less common but … Read more

FDA approves new treatment for Alopecia areata

The FDA in America have approved Ritlecitinib for the treatment of severe alopecia areata (AA). This is an addition to Baricitinib which was approved a year ago by the FDA for the same condition (severe AA). These drugs act as JAK inhibitors (Janus kinase). The FDA approved dose for Ritlecitinib is 50mg once a day … Read more